2004 Nissan Patrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Nissan Patrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Nissan Patrol than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Wheel bearings5.3× usual
  Nissan Patrol

  20.1% All 2004 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Chassis rust or damage3.2× usual
  Nissan Patrol

  11.6% All 2004 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints3.5× usual
  Nissan Patrol

  6% All 2004 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.2× usual
  Nissan Patrol

  8.7% All 2004 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.5% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2004 Nissan Patrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Nissan Patrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  39% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  33% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Rust and bodywork
  16% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Tyres
  12% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Nissan Patrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 5.3× as often on the 2004 Nissan Patrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2004 Nissan Patrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2004 Nissan Patrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?